Anybody know how to tell if an 1889 Remington is pre-1898? (What the highest serial number before Jan 1, 1898 is).

Semmer's Remington book says that the last serial number produced in 1897 was 80389. 1898 numbers begin with 80390. Understand that the heading over the list says "PROBABLE SERIAL NUMBERS". I guess this is as accurate as Remington information gets, tho' I'll admit to not being a Remington expert (or an expert in anything for that matter).

SRH

1899 MFG STARTED AT 89124 PER SEMMERS BOOK PAGE 117

Leighton,

I think he wants to know what the highest serial number in the year 1897 was. That was 80389. You are correct that the numbers in the year 1899 began at 89124, but I did not understand that to be what he was asking.

I may be misreading the question, tho'.

All my best, SRH

Mike A.,

If you want to know if it considered an antique it is pre 1899.All of 1898 guns are considered antiques.

thanks, very much, guys!

Builder, I didn't know that--very helpful! I suspect--but of course don't remember--that I may have passed up a good gun or two because of misunderstanding that. Sometimes ignorance AIN'T bliss....

I am working on one right now that is serial number 78,4xx. According to what is listed here that would be a very early gun. I am surprised at that because it seems to have fluid steel barrels? Does that seem correct?
Thanks,
CHAZ

From the very beginning the lowest grade Remington Arms Co., Model 1889, Hammer Double Barrel Shotgun, the No. 1 was barreled with "decarbonized steel barrels", as were the lowest grade of several of the previous E. Remington & Sons hammer doubles.

I've always wondered if there is/was any difference between the "decarbonized steel" barrels of the Remington Hammer Doubles, and the "Remington Steel" barrels of the lower grades of the Remington Hammerless Doubles.